Speak Up for Maryland Homeschool Freedom 2.0

by MACHE | Nov 5, 2025 | Legislative

Homeschool Regulations Now Open for Possible Amendment or Repeal

Protect Maryland Homeschool Freedom

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has officially opened the Maryland homeschool regulations for potential amendment or repeal. This means the current homeschool law — COMAR 13A.10.01: Home Instruction — could soon change.

Homeschool families across Maryland must act now to ensure their voices are heard.

Immediate public comments should be sent to MSDE to protect Maryland Homeschool Freedom.

Background

In Summer 2025, MSDE reviewed several sections of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), including 13A.10.01: Home Instruction, which governs homeschool laws in Maryland.

During the public comment period (May–August 2025), home instruction received more attention than any other topic, with over 2,500 comments submitted by families and organizations statewide. Nearly all supported keeping the current homeschool regulations unchanged.

Although MSDE initially indicated no changes were expected, the Final Evaluation Report (September 2025) reversed course.
MSDE now recommends that COMAR 13A.10.01 “Home Instruction” be opened for possible amendment or repeal in 2026.

MSDE Staff Evaluation Summary

MSDE staff have proposed technical and clarifying amendments to the homeschool regulation. The following summaries were included in the official Regulatory Review Evaluation Report:

Intent to Homeschool

13A.10.01: Students – Home Instruction
A technical amendment could close a loophole that allows parents to enroll a student in the local education agency (LEA) for a day, withdraw them immediately, and then resume the same home instruction program — a practice previously found to be insufficient.

Maryland Umbrella Programs

The chapter also states that supervising nonpublic schools or institutions must annually verify with the LEA the identification of students continuing under their supervision.
A clarifying amendment could specify when this verification must occur (e.g., by August 30 or another set date).

How You Can Take Action

Now that COMAR 13A.10.01 Home Instruction is open for possible amendment. Homeschool families should:

Send public comments to MSDE immediately.
- Let your voice be heard in support of homeschool freedom.
Sign up for MACHE’s Maryland Homeschool Alerts & Updates
- Stay informed about ongoing developments in the regulatory process.
Follow advocacy partners like HSLDA
- Receive timely updates and alerts regarding the proposed changes.

Submit public comments in support of the current homeschool regulations.

BY MAIL
Madeline Houck, Policy Analyst in the Office of Government Affairs
Maryland State Department of Education
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

BY EMAIL: regulatoryreview.msde@maryland.gov
Put “Regulatory Review” in the subject line.

We’re so grateful to have you alongside us as we work to support and defend homeschooling freedoms in Maryland!

Sign up for MACHE LEGISLATIVE ALERTS on this topic

Sign up for Maryland Legislative Alerts

LearningRx

by MACHE | Oct 20, 2025 | Affiliates

Exclusive for MACHE Members: LearningRx Cognitive Assessment for Only $99 (Normally $249–$299!)

Is your homeschooler melting down over lessons, struggling to focus, or falling behind despite your best efforts?

When learning feels harder than it should—even with one-on-one support—it’s often a sign of deeper cognitive skill weaknesses.

As a member of MACHE, you now have access to an exclusive opportunity:

Get a professional cognitive assessment & consultation from LearningRx for just $99—OVER 50% OFF the regular price (normally $249–$299)!

This research-backed assessment measures how your child’s brain is wired to learn, revealing strengths and pinpointing the root causes of challenges in areas like:

Focus and attention
Reading and comprehension
Memory, processing speed, and problem-solving
Motivation and independent work

Perfect for neurodivergent learners or any student who’s struggling despite a supportive homeschool environment, this powerful tool gives parents a clear understanding of why learning is hard—and what to do about it.

Unlock this Member Discount

Are you a MACHE Member? Log in now to take advantage of special savings.

If you are not yet a member, discover all the benefits of a MACHE Family Membership.

Go to My Account

Learn More About Membership

Public Comment Needed from All Counties

by MACHE | May 22, 2025 | Legislative, Uncategorized

WEBINAR RECORDING

Feeling overwhelmed and wondering what to do with the request for public comments?

Sign up below to receive the recording of this important webinar hosted by MACHE with Will Estrada, Esq., HSLDA Senior Counsel.

In this webinar, Will did an excellent job explaining the MSDE Regulatory Review and Evaluation, simplifying this complex information, and providing insights and tips for answering the four questions MSDE will ask of each individual submitting public comments.

By signing up to receive the recording of this webinar, you will receive legislative alerts from MACHE and we will notify you of upcoming webinars on legislative issues and topics related to Maryland homeschool law.

CLICK THE RED BAR BELOW

SIGN UP HERE TO RECEIVE THE WEBINAR RECORDING

Webinar Recording - Maryland Homeschool Law Review

Sign up for MACHE Legislative Alerts to stay up to date on issues affecting homeschool freedom in Maryland and to receive the recording of this helpful webinar with insights, information, and tips for submitting public comments on the Maryland homeschool law review and evaluation.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

First Last

Email*

Enter Email Confirm Email

County*

In which Maryland county to do reside? If you're from out of state, please select "Out of state" from the dropdown list.

Out of State

If you live outside of Maryland, please let us know what state you're from.

Are you currently homeschooling?*

Yes, currently homeschooling

Former/graduated homeschooler

Grandparent of homeschooled child(ren)

Considering homeschooling

Other

If you do not fit any of the categories above, please describe.

If yes, how long have you homeschooled?

How many children are you currently homeschooling?

Please enter a number from 0 to 12.

SPEAK UP FOR HOMESCHOOL FREEDOM

Submit public comments in support of the current homeschool regulations!

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is performing a review of six chapters of Title 13A, including the chapters on Nonpublic Schools (13.A.09) and Home Instruction (13.A.10). This is part of a mandatory review that has been required for all of Maryland’s regulating agencies over an 8-year period. The evaluation will result in a report made by the MSDE to the Maryland General Assembly.

The MSDE will specifically be evaluating “the need to retain, amend, or repeal any provisions of these regulations based on whether they:
Continue to be necessary for the public interest?
Continue to be supported by statutory authority or and judicial opinion?
Are obsolete or other appropriate for amendment or repeal?
Are effective in accomplishing their intended purpose?”

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗦𝗗𝗘 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.
Submit public comments in support of the current homeschool regulations.

BY MAIL
Madeline Houck, Policy Analyst in the Office of Government Affairs
Maryland State Department of Education
200 W. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

BY EMAIL: regulatoryreview.msde@maryland.gov
Put “Regulatory Review” in the subject line.

We’re so grateful to have you alongside us as we work to support and defend homeschooling freedoms in Maryland!

MSDE Regulatory Review and Evaluation of Home Instruction Regulations (pdf)

Sign up for MACHE LEGISLATIVE ALERTS on this topic 👇👇👇

Sign up for Maryland Legislative Alerts

Charles County School District Threatens Homeschool Families

by MACHE | Jun 20, 2024 | Legislative

MACHE Members and Maryland Homeschool Families,

Homeschool families in Charles County received a letter demanding they register their students online through Charles County Public Schools’ online portal.

As you know, pursuant to state law, the Maryland Department of Education has already stated how Maryland homeschool families should send in their information.

READ MARYLAND HOMESCHOOL LAW HERE

The law clearly states that a local school system may not impose additional requirements for home instruction programs other than those in these regulations.

MACHE is aware of this letter and is working with HSLDA on this issue. Rest assured, we are keeping a close eye on this situation and will keep you up-to-date.

Watch this short video from Will Estrada, Senior Counsel, HSLDA below!

UPDATE: CHARLES COUNTY HOMESCHOOL AS OF JULY 31, 2024

MACHE stands in agreement with the position that Charles County homeschoolers should continue to follow the law. There has been no change in the Maryland law, and Charles County School District has no legal authority to change how families provide notice to the school district of their homeschool plans. There is no requirement in the Maryland homeschool law that requires Maryland homeschoolers to register their students online through an online portal.

If you are currently homeschooling under an approved Maryland umbrella, the umbrella will notify the district of your continued plan to homeschool. If you are new to homeschooling, you can make notification using the intent to homeschool located on the Maryland State Department of Education website.

MACHE members have full access to using the intent to homeschool form on our member page and your MACHE membership includes a discount with HSLDA.

MACHE Membership

MACHE is monitoring this issue and working with HSLDA on this matter. Rest assured, we are keeping a close eye on this situation and will keep you up-to-date.

Watch this short video from Will Estrada, Senior Counsel, HSLDA.

WATCH VIDEO